In what seems to be a bold move, Sri Lankan fast bowler Chanaka Welegedara has decided to move to Australia to continue his cricketing career. Welegedara took this firm decision as he was repeatedly being ignored by the selectors for a place in the national squad. The final call by him however, was taken only after he was not considered for the recent home series against Pakistan.
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Welegedara captained one of the leading clubs of Sri Lanka last year, the Tamil Union. Suresh Murugaser, Vice President and Chairman of the club said it was an emotional moment for the club to bid adieu to last year’s captain and also said that it was unfortunate for Welegedara, that the selectors chose younger options over him and that Welegedara has decided to pursue his cricketing career in Melbourne, where he will be playing club cricket. Suresh put this information upon his Facebook page. The club hosted a farewell dinner for the paceman.
Murugesan further added that, “Another reason is that he wanted to give his family the comfort of living and growing up in Australia. Watch this space, as there are quite a few Sri Lankan cricketers who could emulate Wele in the years to come. A lot of them have already applied for citizenship there”.
These are alarming signs for Sri Lankan cricket and the association needs to look into the selection process. Welegedara has played 21 tests, 10 ODIs and 1 T20 from which he has taken 55, 15 and 1 wicket.
When contacted about the decision he has taken, this is what Welegedara had to say – “Selectors called me last evening and asked me to turn up for practices with Sri Lanka A team. I think they must have got the news of my move and suddenly remembered about me”.
